Subject City of Bakersfield, Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion & Rehabilitation Date February 23, 2026
Introduction
The City of Bakersfield (City) operates a wastewater utility that provides wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services for residents and businesses within the City and some adjacent areas within the unincorporated areas of Kern County. Wastewater is used water that is discharged from homes, schools, and businesses to wastewater treatment plants which remove contaminants from sewage and produce clean water that can be safely disposed of or reused.
Funding for the wastewater utility comes from customer fees, which for City residents is a flat annual fee that is billed with property taxes. Businesses, industry, and new developments are charged fees based on impactsto the utility. Operation, maintenance, and capital improvements are funded from these fees.
The purpose of this technical memorandum is to summarize the current condition of the City’s two wastewater treatment plants and outline capital improvements needed to continue operation through 2050.
AECOM Approach
AECOM conducted a high-level condition assessment of existing treatment infrastructure, reviewed operational data, and interviewed City staff. Flow projections were prepared with a 25-year planning horizon (2050) and evaluated growth using data from Kern County Council of Government, California Economic Forecast, and California Department of Finance. Hydraulic and process capacity analyses were performed to identify capacity limitations. Conceptual capital projects were then developed and evaluated to upgrade and expand capacity to meet the flow projections and future regulatory requirements.
As part of this project, two sets of three-day workshops were held with City staff in late 2025 and early 2026 to get feedback on the evaluation results and proposed capital projects. These workshops included participation of stakeholders: County of Kern, Kern Sanitation Authority, and East Niles Community Services District.
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Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2 (Plant 2) 1
Plant 2 is a secondary level treatment facility
using primary settling, trickling filter biological
treatment and secondary settling to reduce
organic loads before discharge to large storage
ponds. Treatment processes include influent
screening, influent pumping, grit removal tanks,
primary clarifiers, large trickling filters, secondary
clarifiers ahead of effluent storage. Residual
solids from the biological processes are stabilized in digester tanks and dried on open beds.
A formal condition assessment conducted of the facility determined that much of the mechanical and electrical equipment is now at the end of its useable life, requiring major rehabilitation for continued operation. The design life for this equipment is typically 10 to 20 years, and it has now been 27 years since the last upgrade.
Hydraulically, Plant 2 has sufficient capacity as water conservation measures have reduced per capita sewage generation since the 1990’s. The current flow in 2025 at Plant 2 is 12 MGD2 and the projected flow in 2050 is 25 MGD. As a result, Plant 2 does not require hydraulic capacity expansion.
The heart of Plant 2 are the trickling filters. Trickling filters are a simple and effective means of accomplishing secondary treatment at minimal cost. Trickling filters do not remove nitrogen, however. Currently the City is not required by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board (Regional Board) to remove nitrogen at Plant 2. Nitrogen removal is typically required at new or rehabilitated wastewater facilities. At some point in the future, it is likely that Regional Board will require the City to remove nitrogen, which will require construction of new secondary treatment technology. It takes approximately 10 years to design, construct, and permit a new or expanded wastewater treatment plant. Because of this it is important for the City to begin planning for that replacement now.
Water conservation, while reducing flow to the plant, has significantly increased the concentration of organic matter, which has resulted in the treatment processes being biologically overwhelmed.
Recommendations to improve treatment include a new grit removal system, adding chemicals at the primary clarifiers, installation of forced air ventilation at the trickling filters, addition of sludge thickeners, restoring an old anaerobic digester into service, and a mechanical solids dewatering facility to replace open drying beds. Doing the work described above will rehabilitate and restore Plant 2 to its 1999 condition and keep it operating for another 10 to 20 years.
AECOM evaluated multiple options for rehabilitating Plant 2, including replacing the existing trickling filters with a new secondary treatment process on the current site. The City instead selected the permanent solution to construct a new plant adjacent to Plant 2, which is tentatively referred to as “Plant 4”. Plant 2 would need to be upgraded and rehabilitated to keep operating for the next 1 What happened to Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 1? Plant 1 was the City’s first treatment facility constructed in the early 1900’s. It was decommissioned in the 1980’s and sewage was consolidated at Plant 2. The former site of Plant 1 is today the location of the City’s Animal Control facility on S. Mt. Vernon Ave. 2 Hydraulic capacity is described as million gallons per day (MGD), which is the average flow over a 24-hour period. For comparison, 1 MGD is equivalent to filling 1.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools each day. • Located at 1700 E. Planz Road
• Originally Constructed in 1939
• Last Upgraded in 1999
• Permitted Capacity is 25 MGD
• Population Served is 147,800 (2025)
• Projected Population is 186,000 (2050)
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decade while Plant 4 is constructed and brought online. Plant 2 would then be demolished and the land used for other purposes.
Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 (Plant 3)
Plant 3 is an advanced treatment facility capable of
reducing organic loads plus ammonia and total
nitrogen. That designates this facility as a biological nutrient removal plant, which can produce high
quality effluent for direct introduction into the
groundwater. Plant 3 has screening, grit removal,
primary settling, aeration tanks and secondary
settling processes. The high-quality effluent is
discharged into percolation ponds for groundwater
recharge. Residual solids from the biological processes are concentrated, stabilized in digester tanks and dewatered to a truckable concentration for disposal on agricultural land.
At Plant 3 the issue is not treatment capacity, but hydraulic capacity. The secondary treatment system uses the activated sludge process, which is a modern technology capable of treating today’s concentrated wastewater. Hydraulically, however, Plant 3 is nearing its permitted capacity.
Expansion of the treatment plant capacity is needed for the City to comply with state and federal regulations.
The condition of Plant 3 is generally good compared to Plant 2. Some equipment does need to be replaced including sludge dewatering centrifuges, sludge thickeners, and digester gas flare. During construction of the last upgrade of Plant 3 in 2010 the City decided to reduce costs by not installing all the planned equipment to achieve its design capacity. This has reduced the functional capacity of Plant 3 to approximately 24 MGD. The maximum 7-day average flow was 24.8 MGD in 2025.
Additional equipment must be installed in the existing tanks to meet the permitted 32 MGD treatment capacity.
Flow by 2050 is projected to increase to 45 MGD due to growth of new development and densification within existing neighborhoods. A phased approach to expansion was developed with Phase 1 at 8 MGD (40 MGD total) by 2035 and Phase 2 at 5 MGD (45 MGD total) by 2050. Only Phase 1 expansion is evaluated for this technical memorandum, as Phase 2 would occur after 2040.
Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 4 (Plant 4)
Plant 4 is a proposed new wastewater treatment plant that would be located adjacent to Plant 2 on the south side of E. Planz Road. The proposed land for Plant 4 is owned by the City.
The intent is for Plant 4 to be a replacement for Plant 2 with the same total capacity of 25 MGD.
Plant 4 is anticipated to use an advanced biological nutrient removal process for secondary treatment and total nitrogen reduction. This technology is the same process used at Plant 3. New effluent storage ponds would be constructed south of Plant 4 with the same size and volume currently used at Plant 2.
Plant 4 is also proposed to include 5 MGD of tertiary treatment processes, including filtration and disinfection. Tertiary treatment is an additional step that further purifies water to meet California’s high quality reuse standard, so that it can be used for more purposes including landscape irrigation at parks and a wider variety of crops. Plant 3 currently has 2 MGD tertiary treatment capacity. • Located at 6901 McCutchen Road
• Originally constructed in 1972
• Last Upgraded in 2010
• Permitted Capacity is 32 MGD
• Population Served is 262,700 (2025)
• Projected Population is 457,400 (2050)
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Project Descriptions
Plant 2, Phase 0: Rehabilitate Existing (25 MGD Total). Plant 2 will be rehabilitated so that it treats wastewater in compliance with the City’s current discharge permit. The hydraulic capacity and treatment process would remain the same. It is planned that these improvements will operate for approximately 10 years while a new wastewater treatment plant (Plant 4) is designed, constructed, and permitted. The following are the components anticipated as part of this work (see Figure 1):
(1) Preliminary Treatment
a. Construct a new influent pump station (2,000 square feet). b. Install two (2) new vortex grit chambers (18-foot diameter each) and a new classifier structure (2,100 square feet).
c. Demolish existing influent pump station and aerated grit chamber. (2) Primary Treatment
a. Modify Distribution Box No. 1 to manage peak flow.
b. New scum pump station.
c. New primary sludge pump station.
d. Add CEPT (chemically enhanced primary treatment) at the primary clarifiers. (3) Secondary Treatment
a. Replace the distributor mechanisms and media at all three (3) existing trickling filters.
b. Install four (4) forced air ventilation fans at each trickling filter; twelve (12) fans total.
(4) Solids Treatment
a. Construct a new thickening building (3,000 square feet) for secondary sludge. Install two (2) rotating drum thickeners including sludge pumps and piping. b. Rehabilitate Digester No. 1 and bring it into operation. c. Install a new digester gas flare. Current California air quality regulations require ultra-low Nox (nitrous oxides) flares and hydrogen sulfide removal (e.g., Sulf-ATreat). (5) Electrical and Instrumentation. Replace the existing electrical and instrumentation equipment.
(6) Non-Process Facilities
a. Construct a new Administration Building (5,000 square feet). b. Construct a new Shop and Warehouse (5,000 square feet each).
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Figure 1: Plant 2, Phase 0 Improvements
The following is the estimated development schedule for Plant 2, Phase 0. • Pre-Design FY 2027-28
• Pre-Purchase FY 2030-31
• Design FY 2029-31
• Construction FY 2031-33
The conceptual budgetary cost for Plant 2, Phase 0 is approximately $226 million. See the Appendix for a detailed cost breakdown and a description of the cost estimating methodology assumptions.
Plant 3, Phase 0: Rehabilitate Existing (32 MGD Total). Plant 3 is permitted to treat up to 32 MGD but functionally only has equipment installed to treat up approximately 24 MGD. Phase 0 includes the recommended improvements to achieve the permitted 32 MGD treatment capacity, which consists of the items below (see Figure 2).
(1) Secondary Treatment
• Install new air piping, submersible mixers, and instrumentation equipment at the four (4) non-functional aeration basins.
• Replace the existing flat plate diffusers in all ten (10) aeration basins with 9-inch diameter disc diffusers. All diffusers need to be the same type for even air distribution between aeration basins. The existing diffusers are also nearing the end of their useful life. Approximately 2,000 diffusers per aeration basin are required, for 20,000 total diffusers.
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• Remove all the covers on the anoxic and aerobic tanks. These facilities should not generate odor when the facility is operating properly and covers are not necessary for odor control. The covers also interfere with the operator’s ability to see how the aeration basins are functioning.
(2) Solids Treatment. Install a new digester gas flare. The existing flare is near the end of its useable life and the digester gas booster blower project may cause the gas system to exceed the existing flare’s operational capacity. Current California air quality regulations require ultra-low NOx flares and hydrogen sulfide removal (e.g., Sulf-A-Treat). This new flare should be sized for the 2050 capacity (45 MGD) and include a 3:1 turndown so it will be useable throughout the phased improvements described below.
(3) Odor Control. Install a new bio-trickling filter odor control system for the headworks building. This would include installing a new ventilation system for personnel safety. The new equipment would be located adjacent to the headworks building.
Figure 2: Plant 3, Phase 0 Improvements
The following is the estimated development schedule for Plant 3, Phase 0. • Pre-Design FY 2026-27
• Pre-Purchase FY 2027-28
• Design FY 2027-28
• Construction FY 2028-29
The conceptual budgetary cost for Plant 3, Phase 0 is approximately $37 million. See the Appendix for a detailed cost breakdown and a description of the cost estimating methodology assumptions.
Plant 3, Phase 1: 8 MGD Expansion (40 MGD Total). Phase 1 is an 8 MGD expansion for a total capacity of 40 MGD. Below is a summary of recommended improvements to increase hydraulic and process capacity (see Figure 3).
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(1) Preliminary Treatment
a. Construct a new headworks building (3,000 square feet) that includes four (4) mechanical bar screens and six (6) influent pumps with a capacity of 45 MGD. b. Because the existing grit chamber is integral with the existing headworks, it is recommended that three (3) new vortex grit chambers be installed with a capacity of 45 MGD.
c. The new headworks building will also require new odor control and ventilation. (2) Secondary Treatment
a. Install new recirculation pumps in all ten (10) aeration basins. b. Install one (1) new single-stage blower with a capacity of 14,000 scfm, approximately 800 hp, and will increase blower capacity to 45 MGD. This will require an expansion of the existing blower building.
(3) Solids Treatment
a. Construct two (2) new anaerobic digesters for eight (8) total. This will include an additional digester control building (1,750 square feet per floor). Digester Nos. 1 and 2, which are decommissioned, will be demolished.
b. Construct a new thickening/dewatering building (7,500 square feet per floor). Install 4 new sludge thickeners and 5 new centrifuges for sludge dewatering. The existing DAF tanks and existing dewatering building would be demolished. New odor control would be included as part of this new building.
(4) Odor Control. Install bio-trickling filter odor control at the primary clarifiers. (5) Non-Process Facilities
a. Remodel the existing Administrative Building.
b. Construct a new Operations Building (5,200 square feet). c. Construct a new Warehouse (5,000 square feet).
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Figure 3: Plant 3, Phase 1 Improvements
The following is the estimated development schedule for Plant 3, Phase 1. • Pre-Design FY 2029-31
• Pre-Purchase FY 2031-32
• Design FY 2031-33
• Construction FY 2033-36
The conceptual budgetary cost for Plant 3, Phase 1 is approximately $398 million. See the Appendix for a detailed cost breakdown and a description of the cost estimating methodology assumptions.
Plant 4: New Facility (25 MGD). Below is a summary of the total work needed to construct a new 25 MGD facility using biological nutrient removal (see Figure 4). (1) Preliminary Treatment. Screens, vortex grit removal, odor control, and headworks building. (2) Primary Treatment. Primary clarifiers and sludge pumps. (3) Secondary Treatment. Aeration basins with diffusors, blowers, blower building, and secondary clarifiers.
(4) Solids Treatment. Anaerobic digesters, sludge thickeners, sludge dewatering, thickening/dewatering building, odor control, and gas systems. (5) Tertiary Treatment. Cloth disk filters, UV disinfection, recycled water storage.
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(6) Non-Process Facilities. Administrative building, operations building, warehouse, shop, parking, access roads, fencing, security systems, effluent storage ponds, and parking facilities.
Figure 4: Plant 4 Construction
The following is the estimated development schedule for Plant 4. • Pre-Design FY 2032-34
• Pre-Purchase FY 2034-35
• Design FY 2034-36
• Construction FY 2036-39
• Startup FY 2039-40
The conceptual budgetary cost for Plant 4 is approximately $574 million. See the Appendix for a detailed cost breakdown and a description of the cost estimating methodology assumptions.
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Summary
AECOM conducted condition assessments, evaluated hydraulic capacity, and reviewed treatment process capacity at both Plants 2 and 3. Based on this data conceptual capital projects were developed to address current deficiencies and prepare for future growth. The projects selected by the City consist of the following:
• Plant 2, Phase 0. Stabilize and rehabilitate the existing facility to continue operation through 2040.
• Plant 3, Phase 0. Rehabilitate and install equipment to treat the permitted 32 MGD capacity. • Plant 3, Phase 1. Construct an 8 MGD expansion to Plant 3, which would increase the total capacity to 40 MGD.
• Plant 3, Phase 2. Construct a 5 MGD expansion to Plant 3, which would increase the total capacity to 45 MGD.
• Plant 4. Construct a new wastewater treatment plant adjacent to and south of Plant 2. This new 25 MGD facility will replace Plant 2. Plant 2 would be demolished after Plant 4 is permitted and in operation.
Table 1 provides a summary of the projects described above that are scheduled through 2040.
Please note that the future expansion of Plant 3 to 45 MGD (Phase 2) is not included as it is anticipated to occur after 2040.
Table 1. Summary of proposed projects through 2040
Project
Construction
Schedule Cost
Plant 2, Phase 0: Rehabilitate Existing (25 MGD Total) FY 2031-33 $ 226,200,000 Plant 3, Phase 0: Rehabilitate Existing (32 MGD Total) FY 2028-29 $ 36,690,000 Plant 3, Phase 1: 8 MGD Expansion (40 MGD Total) FY 2033-36 $ 397,705,000 Plant 4: New Facility (25 MGD) FY 2036-40 $ 573,700,000 AECOM 11
APPENDIX: CONCEPTUAL COST DATA
Cost Methodology. Association for the Advancement of Cost Estimating (AACE) Level 5 estimates were prepared for the phases and options described below. This is based on conceptual sizing of facilities. No detailed design has been prepared. The following factors were used:
• Mobilization & Demobilization 5%
• Construction Escalation 4% per year from 2025
• Design Engineering 15%
• Construction Management 15%
• Contingency 30%
Costs were escalated between 2025 and the mid-point of construction. The level of confidence for AACE Level 5 is between -20% and +50%.
Please note that these estimates are for capital improvements for expansion only and do not include maintenance costs. The majority of the mechanical, process, electrical, and instrumentation equipment has a usable life between 10 to 20 years and will require periodic replacement as part of ongoing maintenance through 2050 and beyond.
Conceptual Cost Estimates. The following tables provide a summary of conceptual costs for each of the phases previously described.
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Table 2. Budget estimate for Plant 2, Phase 0: Rehabilitate Existing (25 MGD Total) Description Cost
General Conditions $ 15,610,000
Site Work - Miscellaneous $ 8,790,000
Wet well and Influent Pumping $ 12,580,000
Grit Removal $ 8,710,000
Primary Clarifiers $ 6,610,000
Trickling Filters $ 27,230,000
Sludge Thickeners $ 7,220,000
Digesters $ 10,280,000
Sulf-a-Treat System $ 3,950,000
Odor Control $ 1,600,000
Site Piping Improvements $ 5,540,000
Electrical/Instrumentation $ 26,020,000
Maintenance shop $ 2,810,000
Miscellaneous Improvements $ 6,920,000
Warehouse $ 3,170,000
Administration Building $ 3,760,000
Subtotal $ 150,800,000
Engineering/Admin/CM (25%) $ 37,700,000
Contingency (25%) $ 37,700,000
Environmental/Permitting $ -
Total $ 226,200,000
Table 3. Budget estimate for Plant 3, Phase 0: Rehabilitate Existing (32 MGD Total) Description Cost
General Conditions $ 2,880,000
Site Work - Miscellaneous $ 1,350,000
Aeration Basins $ 13,150,000
Odor Control $ 700,000
Site Piping Improvements $ 1,350,000
Electrical/Instrumentation $ 1,910,000
Gas Handling Upgrades $ 2,640,000
Miscellaneous Improvements $ 480,000
Subtotal $ 24,460,000
Engineering/Admin/CM (25%) $ 6,115,000
Contingency (25%) $ 6,115,000
Environmental/Permitting $ -
Total $ 36,690,000
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Table 4. Budget estimate for Plant 3, Phase 1: 8 MGD Expansion (40 MGD Total) Description Cost
General Conditions $ 27,240,000
Site Work - Miscellaneous $ 6,590,000
Screening Facility $ 15,090,000
Influent Pumping $ 10,800,000
Grit Removal $ 6,510,000
Aeration Basins & Blowers $ 13,740,000
Sludge Thickeners $ 8,790,000
Digesters $ 44,680,000
Dewatering System $ 42,180,000
Odor Control $ 3,700,000
Site Piping Improvements $ 9,870,000
Electrical/Instrumentation $ 45,570,000
Miscellaneous Improvements $ 10,370,000
Warehouse $ 6,010,000
Administration Building $ 920,000
Operations Building $ 9,410,000
Subtotal $ 261,470,000
Engineering/Admin/CM (25%) $ 65,367,500
Contingency (25%) $ 65,367,500
Environmental/Permitting $ 3,000,000
Land Acquisition $ 2,500,000
Total $ 397,705,000
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Table 5. Budget estimate for Plant 4: New Facility (25 MGD) Description Cost
Headworks $ 12,200,000
Primary Clarifier $ 23,200,000
Digested Sludge Pumps $ 2,200,000
Sludge Dewatering $ 11,400,000
Odor Control for Dewatered Sludge Loadout $ 1,600,000
Centrifuge Building $ 22,600,000
Polymer Storage and Feed System $ 700,000
Aeration Basin $ 135,000,000
RAS/WAS $ 36,900,000
Gravity Thickeners $ 13,900,000
Sludge Building $ 20,900,000
Secondary Clarifier $ 29,800,000
Sulf-a-Treat $ 6,600,000
Waste Biogas Thermal Treatment $ 3,500,000
Anaerobic Digester $ 8,400,000
Disinfection (UV System) $ 2,900,000
New Storage Ponds $ 7,000,000
Plant 2 - Demolition $ 10,000,000
Non-Process Facilities $ 25,000,000
Miscellaneous Improvements $ 4,000,000
Subtotal $ 377,800,000
Engineering/Admin/CM (25%) $ 94,450,000
Contingency (25%) $ 94,450,000
Environmental/Permitting $ 7,000,000
Total $ 573,700,000
EXHIBIT J. PERSONNEL MEMO
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kristina Budak, Water Director
FROM: Dawn Spangler, Fiscal & Administrative Services Officer II DATE: February 27,2026
SUBJECT: 2026-2027 to 2035-36 Wastewater Personnel Requests As part of the Water Department’s commitment to enhancing the operational capacity and sustainability of the wastewater treatment facilities, a 10-yr infrastructure improvement plan was initiated, aimed at optimizing performance, compliance, and long-term service reliability. To ensure the successful implementation and management of this plan the need for additional personnel has become critical. These skilled professionals will be essential to support both the day-to-day operations and the complex demands of overseeing significant infrastructure upgrades ensuring the project is executed on schedule, within budget, and with the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.
This personnel request outlines the specific roles, responsibilities, and expertise required to complement the engineering, technical, and operational teams responsible for executing the 10-year infrastructure plan. By securing the necessary talent we will be positioned to maintain uninterrupted service, enhance treatment capabilities, and align with future regulatory standards and compliance.
In addition to the position justifications below, the 2026-2035 Financial Plan identifies the year the position is to be hired and the Step 5 salary plus a 60% escalator for benefits and computers for each position. The total personnel budget in the Financial Plan will ensure adequate revenue is collected to fund the positions needed to operate and maintain the wastewater and storm drain systems efficiently.
Compaction – Assistant Directors and Director Salary Adjustment Justification:
Following the recent rate studies for the Municipal and Sewer User funds, the Water Department identified several critical hires necessary for our long-term water operation needs. A key component of this plan was the addition of a Civil Engineer IV to manage the engineering unit and oversee the Department’s ten-year financial plan.
While the hiring of the Civil Engineer IV is a major step forward, it has created a significant salary compaction issue within the Department’s management team. Currently, the Civil Engineer IV reports directly to the Assistant Water Director-Wastewater, yet the salary schedules for both positions are identical. This lack of separation between a supervisor and their subordinate is a structural flaw that creates several administrative challenges.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
This is not a unique situation. Public Works recently resolved an identical conflict between their Civil Engineer IVs and Assistant Directors. In that instance, the City approved a 6.2% adjustment for the Assistant Directors and the Director to restore a logical pay spread.
To maintain internal equity and ensure conformity with the City’s past practice, we are requesting a matching 6.2% adjustment for the Assistant Water Directors and Water Director which will restore the organizational chart so that responsibility and compensation actually line up. Funds for this adjustment are reflected in the financial plans and rates of the Water Department.
Reclassification Requests
Reclassification: Fiscal and Administrative Services Officer II (FASO II) to a Fiscal and Administrative Services Manager
Justification:
The FASO II position is responsible for managing the fiscal and administrative functions within the department. As a result of the Water Resources Department and Wastewater Division merging to create the Water Department, FASO II now manages four enterprise revenue funds including Sewer User, Sewer Connection, Municipal Service and Water Availability fee, two fee structured accounts and tracks and reconciles revenues and expenditures for Subregional Wastewater Management Technical Advisory Committee (T.A.C.) as well as the Kern Levee District and Kern River Groundwater Sustainability Agency (KRGSA).
The position now functions as the primary fiscal and administrative manager for the Water Department and is responsible for oversight of four enterprise revenue funds (Sewer User, Sewer Connection, Municipal Service, and Water Availability), two fee-structured accounts, and multiple special revenue and assessment programs. The position manages and administers a current departmental operating and capital budget exceeding $90 million, projected to exceed $200 million annually beginning FY 2026-27 due to major capital infrastructure investments. Additionally, the position oversees financial planning and administration associated with an estimated $2 billion ten-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for treatment plant expansions, system upgrades, and regulatory compliance.
The position is responsible for long-range financial planning, revenue forecasting, rate modeling, and financial strategies necessary to ensure adequate funding for capital expansion and operational sustainability. This includes preparation and presentation of rate studies, recommendations for rate adjustments, and coordination of Proposition 218 processes. The incumbent has been instrumental in supporting the department through major municipal water and sewer rate increases and will continue to lead annual rate updates and future Prop 218 efforts. At the direction of the Council, this position will need to track, review, analyze, report and present revenue generation annually for the department’s enterprises.
The position exercises direct supervision over six professional fiscal staff (one Accountant and five Administrative & Fiscal Services Specialists I/II), with staffing projected to increase to eight within five years. Supervisory duties include hiring, training, assigning and reviewing work, conducting performance evaluations, recommending disciplinary action, and ensuring compliance with City financial policies and procedures.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
Additional expanded responsibilities include oversight of departmental financial systems and implementation of new software platforms, development of fiscal policies and procedures, grant research and administration, bond disclosure reporting, enterprise billing oversight, and direct presentations to executive leadership and City Council. The position independently develops and manages the department’s annual operating and capital budgets, monitors expenditure and revenues, approves all financial transactions, and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and City policies.
Due to the magnitude of fiscal responsibility, supervisory authority, policy development, strategic planning, and independent decision-making required, the position now performs at a managerial level consistent with the Fiscal & Administrative Services Manager classification rather than a Fiscal & Administrative Services Officer II.
New Position Requests
Position: Civil Engineer IV
Justification:
This addition to the Water Department personnel is needed to address the engineering needs of the Water Department based on the complexity and amount of capital improvement projects in the short term and the long term. With the significant population growth of the City of Bakersfield, the constant changes and restrictions of state and federal regulations on the Water and Wastewater Industry, and the aging infrastructure, there is a need for an experienced Water Industry engineering manager to oversee the current workload and the significant increase in the near future due to multi-year projects.
Projects include the wastewater treatment plant equipment, process replacement and improvement due to aging infrastructure. Currently the Wastewater Division is undergoing a technical evaluation and preparing studies on the short-term and long-term planning to expand plant 3 and upgrade/rebuild plant 2 and relevant facilities.
Position: Fiscal & Administrative Services Supervisor
Justification:
This addition to the Water Department personnel is needed to address the fiscal, administrative, and supervisory needs of the Water Department’s Wastewater Division. With the City undertaking large-scale infrastructure projects, including the wastewater plant upgrade and expansion, this role ensures that financial, budgeting, and reporting activities are conducted with precision, efficiency, and compliance. By supervising fiscal staff and managing administrative workflows, the supervisor guarantees that departmental operations are organized, accurate, and aligned with the City’s strategic objectives.
This position is also critical to the full and successful implementation of the City’s VertexOne software system. The complexity of system integration, data validation, financial configuration, workflow alignment, and ongoing oversight requires dedicated fiscal leadership to ensure the software is implemented accurately and utilized to its full capacity. Without this position, the Department risks delays, data inconsistencies, compliance issues, and underutilization of the system’s capabilities. The Fiscal & Administrative Services Supervisor will provide the necessary oversight to ensure seamless coordination between financial processes and system functionality, supporting accurate billing, reporting, and financial management operations.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
This position is essential to managing the increased fiscal complexity and workload associated with these projects. The supervisor monitors and controls budgets to ensure expenditures remain within approved limits, prepares and presents comprehensive financial reports to senior management and oversight bodies, and implements cost-control measures and procedures that support operational efficiency. The role provides guidance on financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation, ensuring that the City’s large-scale projects are executed successfully, on time, and within budget.
By centralizing oversight of financial planning, budget development, administrative operations, and enterprise system implementation, the Fiscal & Administrative Services Supervisor enhances accountability, mitigates financial risk, and ensures the effective allocation of resources. This position not only supports senior management with accurate, timely, and actionable financial information but also strengthens operational efficiency and departmental performance, making it indispensable to the successful completion of critical infrastructure projects, the full implementation of the VertexOne system, and the achievement of the City’s financial and operational goals.
Position: Administrative & Fiscal Services Specialist I Justification:
Due to the increased workload resulting from the Plant Upgrade and Expansion projects, there will be a growing need for an additional Administrative & Fiscal Services Specialist I.
These large-scale infrastructure initiatives will significantly raise the volume of administrative and fiscal tasks, such as managing financial transactions, processing invoices, tracking resources, and handling payroll documentation. Additional staffing will be necessary to ensure accurate financial records, compliance with procurement and budgeting policies, and a timely generation of reports. The new hire will support the fiscal team in managing these increased responsibilities, ensuring smooth operations and oversight of the projects.
Position: Water Inspector I/II
Justification:
The hiring of Water Inspector I/II is essential for overseeing the expansion and upgrade of both wastewater treatment plants and Municipal water system. The inspector will ensure that construction projects, managed by Water Department including infrastructure associated with sewer, drainage and municipal systems, comply with engineering plans, contracts, and regulatory standards. Responsibilities include inspecting construction work, maintaining records, preparing cost estimates, conducting safety inspections, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This role will be crucial in keeping the project on track, mitigating risks, and ensuring that all work is completed to specification, budget, and timeline, supporting the successful completion of the plant upgrades.
The Water Inspector I/II will provide oversight during all phases of construction, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory standards. This position will be critical in managing the risks associated with these large-scale initiatives, ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the infrastructure improvements.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
This is a critical position that needs to be solely responsible for overseeing the construction of water infrastructure due to complexities of the projects. With the mechanical and electrical nature of the facilities, a full-time effort is required to learn, understand and gain knowledge which will ensure the proper implementation of capital improvements and upgrades. It is imperative that the Water Inspector understands the operations of the department and specifically the various structures owned and operated by the City to provide technical oversight during construction.
Water Inspector I/II is a position that requires additional certifications above and beyond the Construction Inspectors as regulations require Water Inspectors to obtain California Grade II Drinking Water Distribution Operator certification to work with drinking water system infrastructure. The certification allows the Water Inspector to understand the operation and maintenance of a water system as activities are heavily regulated and monitored by the Department of Drinking Water.
Position: Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator III
Justification:
Both wastewater treatment plants are currently understaffed by industry standards, leading to operational challenges as influent flow increases annually and previously offline equipment is brought back online to meet growing demand. The planned upgrades and expansions will introduce advanced treatment processes, automation, and monitoring systems, further increasing operational complexity. To effectively manage these changes, additional Plant Operator III personnel are essential. These operators will oversee new equipment, adjust chemical treatments, maintain proper flow, and ensure key equipment is functioning. With expanded capacity, additional operators are necessary to provide 24/7 shift coverage, perform routine checks, troubleshooting issues, and respond to after-hour alarms, all while maintaining continuous operation and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Plant Operator III staff will also be responsible for leading plant operations, mentoring junior operators, and conducting laboratory tests to meet regulatory requirements. Given the physical demands of the expanded facilities, these additional positions are crucial to ensuring the ongoing efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of plant operations.
Position: Senior Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Technician Justification:
The planned upgrades and expansion of the wastewater treatment facilities will introduce advanced electrical, instrumentation, and automation systems, requiring the addition of a Senior Wastewater Electrical & Instrumentation Technician. This position will oversee the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of these complex systems. In a lead role, the technician will supervise a team, coordinate daily operations, assign tasks, and ensure safety compliance. They will also mentor junior staff, prioritize tasks, and manage the increased workload from the advanced systems. Additionally, the lead technician will collaborate with engineers and contractors, ensuring successful system integration, quality control, and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime. This position is critical to ensuring efficient plant operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting the overall success of the plant upgrades.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
Position: Wastewater Plant Mechanic
Justification:
The planned upgrades and expansion of the wastewater treatment facilities will introduce more advanced and complex equipment, significantly increasing the scope of maintenance and repair work. To ensure these expanded facilities operate efficiently, the addition of a Wastewater Plant Mechanic is essential. This role will be responsible for maintaining and repairing a wide range of mechanical systems, such as pumps, aerators, waste grinders, and valves. As the plant capacity increases, the complexity of the equipment will also grow, requiring more frequent and preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and prevent system failures.
Additionally, much of the equipment at Plant 2 has been in service since 1997, and at Plant 3, some newer equipment has been operational for over 14 years, necessitating timely maintenance to ensure optimal function.
As influent flow increases and previously offline equipment is brought back online, the total number of pieces of equipment requiring maintenance has grown. This increase in equipment and system complexity, combined with aging infrastructure, highlights the need for skilled mechanics. The Wastewater Plant Mechanic will perform critical repairs, maintenance, and adjustments to keep the systems running smoothly and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Hiring additional mechanics will ensure that the expanded facilities meet the growing demands of wastewater treatment while minimizing disruptions, enhancing safety, and ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
Position: Senior Wastewater Plant Mechanic
Justification:
The planned upgrades and expansion of the wastewater treatment facilities will introduce more advanced and complex equipment, significantly increasing the scope of maintenance and repair work. To ensure these expanded facilities operate efficiently, the addition of a Senior Plant Mechanic is essential. The Senior Plant Mechanic will oversee and provide leadership in all mechanical maintenance tasks, ensuring that systems are properly maintained and function efficiently. As the plant capacity increases, the complexity of the equipment will also grow, requiring more frequent and precise preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and prevent system failures. Additionally, much of the equipment at Plant 2 has been in service since 1997, and at Plant 3, some newer equipment has been operational for over 14 years, necessitating timely maintenance to ensure optimal function.
As influent flow increases and previously offline equipment is brought back online, the total number of pieces of equipment requiring maintenance has grown. This increase in equipment and system complexity, combined with aging infrastructure, highlights the need for a skilled mechanic. The Senior Plant Mechanic will play a critical role in managing and prioritizing repair and maintenance tasks, overseeing the mechanical team, and ensuring that all maintenance activities are carried out to the highest standards. In this leadership position, they will be responsible for troubleshooting complex mechanical issues, managing critical repairs, and ensuring that all systems are running smoothly and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Hiring the Senior Plant Mechanic will ensure the plant can meet the growing demands of wastewater treatment, minimize disruptions, enhance safety, and ensure long-term operational efficiency while maintaining a skilled and effective maintenance team.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
Position: Service Maintenance Worker
Justification:
The Service Maintenance Worker position is essential to support the ongoing upgrades and expansion of the wastewater treatment facility. As the facility grows, there will be increased needs for routine maintenance, equipment operation, and emergency response. Service Maintenance Workers will be responsible for operating and maintaining new equipment, performing preventive maintenance to reduce downtime, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Their role will be critical in managing the heightened workload resulting from the plant's expansion, ensuring that operations run smoothly and efficiently while meeting the demands of the upgraded facility.
Position: Maintenance Supervisor
Justification:
As the wastewater treatment plant undergoes significant upgrades and expansion, the need for an experienced Maintenance Supervisor becomes crucial to ensure the effective management and coordination of maintenance operations. With the introduction of new, more complex equipment and systems, a dedicated supervisor will oversee the day-to-day activities of maintenance personnel, ensuring timely and efficient preventive maintenance, repairs, and emergency responses. This role will be instrumental in ensuring that the plant meets its operational and regulatory requirements, as well as maintaining the integrity of the newly expanded infrastructure. The Maintenance Supervisor will also be responsible for planning, organizing, and prioritizing maintenance tasks, training staff, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. By providing leadership, expertise, and oversight, the Maintenance Supervisor will play a key role in minimizing downtime, reducing maintenance costs, and contributing to the overall success of the plant's expansion.
Position: Cogen Technician
Justification:
The creation of a Cogen Tech position at the wastewater treatment plant is essential to optimize the operation of the cogeneration system, which simultaneously generates electricity and thermal energy from methane gas produced during the treatment process. The Cogen Tech will be responsible for maintaining, inspecting, and troubleshooting the cogeneration equipment, ensuring peak performance, and minimizing downtime. This role will also monitor system performance, support energy optimization, and ensure compliance with environmental and energy regulations. The position is critical to reducing operational costs, improving sustainability, and helping the plant meet increasing energy demands efficiently and responsibly as it continues to expand.
Position: Tertiary Technician
Justification:
The creation of a Tertiary Tech position at the wastewater treatment plant is essential for overseeing the advanced tertiary treatment processes, such as filtration, disinfection, and chemical treatment. This role will ensure the plant meets effluent quality standards, maintain system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure regulatory compliance. The Tertiary Tech will also support process improvements and data analysis to optimize system efficiency. This position is crucial for maintaining high treatment standards, reducing the risk of violations, and ensuring the plant’s continued effectiveness in meeting environmental goals.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
Position: Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Lab Technician Justification:
As the City’s wastewater treatment facilities undergo expansion and modernization, increased flows and more complex treatment processes will significantly elevate the demand for highquality laboratory testing and regulatory compliance. To meet these needs, staff recommends adding a Senior Wastewater Treatment Plant Lab Technician position. This role will provide leadership and oversight of laboratory operations, focusing on quality control, regulatory compliance, and support for plant performance, rather than routine testing.
The key responsibilities of this position include managing lab quality assurance and ELAP compliance, directing daily lab operations, mentoring staff, ensuring testing accuracy and equipment maintenance, and supporting operational decisions through data analysis.
This position is essential to maintain public and environmental safety, ensuring the City continues to meet strict regulatory standards, and supporting the long-term effectiveness of our upgraded treatment facilities.
Position: Environmental Compliance Inspector
Justification:
The hiring of an Inspector is crucial as the city grows and more areas need to be inspected. With the addition of new treatment processes and infrastructure, it is essential to monitor and enforce compliance with local, state, and federal pretreatment standards. The Pretreatment Inspector will be responsible for inspecting industrial discharges into the wastewater system, ensuring they meet required regulatory limits, and identifying potential issues before they impact the plant’s operations. Key tasks will include conducting inspections of industrial facilities, reviewing wastewater discharge reports, and ensuring that industrial users comply with permit requirements. By ensuring proper pretreatment of industrial waste, the inspector will help maintain the integrity of the plant’s upgraded processes, minimize regulatory risks, and protect the environment. This position is vital for managing and safeguarding the effectiveness of the expanded treatment capacity and ensuring that the plant operates within legal and environmental standards.
Position: Sewer Maintainer II
Justification:
Sewer Maintainer II is essential for the maintenance and operation of the upgraded sewer infrastructure. This position will lead a crew in cleaning and repairing sewer and storm lines, operating specialized equipment, and addressing emergency sewer stoppages. The Sewer Maintainer II will also ensure that all work follows safety regulations and perform routine maintenance, such as manhole and pump servicing. This role will be key to maintaining system integrity, supporting the increased workload as the city continues to expand.
Position: Sewer Maintainer III
Justification:
The addition of a Sewer Maintainer III is crucial for managing the increased demands on the sewer system due to city growth. This role will be responsible for overseeing and leading sewer maintenance crews, ensuring that tasks such as cleaning and repairing sewer lines, storm systems, and pump stations are performed effectively.
New Personnel Request
Wastewater Division
The Sewer Maintainer III will also take on supervisory responsibilities during the absence of the supervisor, providing guidance on daily tasks, ensuring proper use of specialized equipment (such as video inspection trucks and lift station repair tools), and preparing daily maintenance reports. Given the complexity of the expanded sewer infrastructure, this position will ensure all work is carried out efficiently and safely, contributing to the continued functionality and safety of the system. The role is vital for supporting the City growth and enhancing the management of sewer maintenance operations.
Position: Service Maintenance Worker (Sewer & Storm)
Justification:
With the ongoing growth of the city, there is a critical need for additional personnel to support the increased demand on the sewer and storm drain systems. The Service Maintenance Worker will play an essential role in maintaining and ensuring the efficiency of these expanded systems.
This position involves performing routine and semi-skilled manual labor, including cleaning sewer lines, maintaining storm drains, and assisting with infrastructure repairs.
As the city grows, additional sewer lines and stormwater facilities will require regular maintenance to keep them functioning properly. The Service Maintenance Worker will ensure that all equipment is in good working condition and operate it safely to address sewer stoppages and potential blockages. Additionally, the worker will assist in the installation of new infrastructure, including manholes and drainage systems, and help with post-upgrade inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Given the increased scale of operations and the need for continuous support during construction and post-upgrade phases, hiring a Service Maintenance Worker for sewer and storm drain maintenance will directly contribute to the operational success of the expanded plant. This worker will be crucial for carrying out the essential day-to-day maintenance tasks that keep the sewer and storm drain systems functioning, ensuring the overall efficiency and reliability of the upgraded wastewater infrastructure.
EXHIBIT K. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM MEMO
MEMORANDUM
TO: Kristina Budak, Water Director
FROM: Evette Rodan, Assistant Water Director – Wastewater Division DATE: February 24, 2026
SUBJECT: Proposed 10-year Capital Improvement Projects
The cost estimates for Wastewater Treatment Plant [WWTP] 2 and 3 minor infrastructure, sewer collections and storm drain system projects are included in this memo and were based on recent price quotes and costs from similar projects that were recently completed. By looking at current market prices and using examples from real projects, the estimates are deemed accurate.
The cost estimates provided as part of the 2026-2030 SEWER RATES & FEES REPORT, were inputted into the 2026 analysis as “today’s dollars” and escalated annually by either the Construction Cost Index or Consumer Price Index, which for this analysis is assumed to be
3.5% annually. This approach helps us better understand the expected costs of the projects and account for any changes in material and labor prices.
Because the rate adjustment did not take effect July 1, 2025 as initially planned, some of the FY2025-26 projects have been carried forward into FY2026-27 and are included in order to be funded in this 2026-2030 SEWER RATES & FEES REPORT.
Those projects that do not have a specific location are place holders for future projects.
With aging infrastructure and a growing city, replacing and upgrading infrastructure will continue and be ongoing so locations will be filled in as areas within the systems are identified.
Finally, WWTP 2 and 3 and future WWTP 4 project costs and justifications are discussed in AECOMs Technical Memo, City of Bakersfield, Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion & Rehabilitation, which is included in the 2026-2030 SEWER RATES & FEES REPORT as Exhibit I.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Sewer Service Plant #2
Project Title: Site Infrastructure
Amount: FY 26-27 $776,250
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant #2 is nearing the end of its service life and is scheduled for major upgrades or replacement. This project will provide for necessary site improvements, like access roads, standalone storage or warehouse structures, administration facility upgrades, that are needed between now and when the Plant can be upgraded.
Project Title: Septage Processing Unit Replacement
Amount: FY 26-27 $2,070,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This project will replace the septage processing units at Plant 2. Septage that is delivered to the plant by commercial haulers is discharged through one of two units that capture rags and coarse solids prior to being discharged into a storage tank. Over time, these units have become uneconomical to maintain and inefficient in capturing rags and coarse solids, which in turn damage other equipment downstream. The upgrade will replace the septage processing units, pipes, and valves.
Project Title: Grit System Rehabilitation
Amount: FY 26-27 $258,750
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The grit removal system at Plant 2 is designed to remove grit that would otherwise damage equipment downstream. The system components are greatly deteriorated and in need of significant repairs and replacement. This project will repair the clam shell, and replace damaged pumps and pipes.
Project Title: Plant Lighting Upgrades
Amount: FY 26-27 $207,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
A large number of lights at Plant 2 are in need of replacement, these lights are large indoor/outdoor industrial lights and will be upgraded to LED fixtures. This project will provide for purchase and installation.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Project Title: Clarifier Rehabilitation
Amount: FY 26-27 $1,035,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant 2 has three primary clarifiers and three secondary clarifiers that separate solids from liquids through gravity settling. This project involves replacing the drives, recoating various concrete and metal surfaces, skimmer arm replacements, and site re-grading around each clarifier.
Project Title: Annual Capital Improvement Budget (Projects TBD) Amount: FY 26-27 $1,552,500 FY 27-28 $2,678,083 FY28-29 $2,771,795 FY 29-30 $2,868,808 FY 30-31 $2,969,216 FY 31-32 $3,073,138 FY 32-33 $3,180,698 FY 33-34 $3,292,023 FY 34-35 $3,407,243 FY 35-36 $3,526,497
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Projects to be determined.
Sewer Service Plant #3
Project Title: Site Infrastructure
Amount: FY 26-27 $258,750
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
As Plant #3 continues to support increasing flows and undergoes planned capacity expansions. This project will provide for necessary site improvements, like access roads, standalone storage or warehouse structures, administration facility upgrades, that are needed between now and when the Plant can be expanded.
Project Title: Secondary Clarifier Rehab Construction
Amount: FY 26-27 $25,875 FY 27-28 $455,271
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant 3 has four secondary clarifiers that separate solids from liquids through gravity settling. This project involves replacing the drives, recoating various concrete and metal surfaces, skimmer arm replacements, and site re-grading around each clarifier.
Project Title: Septage Processing Unit Upgrades
Amount: FY 26-27 $1,190,250
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This project will replace the septage processing units at Plant 3. Septage that is delivered to the plant by commercial haulers is discharged through one of two units that capture rags and coarse solids prior to being discharged into a storage tank. These units have become uneconomical to maintain and inefficient in capturing debris, which in turn damage other equipment downstream. The upgrade will replace the septage processing units, pipes, and valves.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Project Title: Biofilter Fans Replacement
Amount: FY 26-27 $621,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant 3 has a foul odor control system that uses five biofilter fans that pull four air from various parts of the plant and push it through biofilters. This project will provide for the purchase and installation of three fans which are in need of replacement.
Project Title: H2S Damage Repair
Amount: FY 26-27 $155,250
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Hydrogen sulfide gas has caused significant corrosion to various structures at Plant 3. This project will repair and replace the damaged items such as ventilation ducting, AC units, and doors.
Project Title: Plant Lighting Upgrade
Amount: FY 26-27 $103,500
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
A large number of lights at Plant 3 are in need of replacement, these lights are large indoor/outdoor industrial lights and will be upgraded to LED fixtures. This project will provide for purchase and installation.
Project Title: Primary Influent Gate Repair
Amount: FY 26-27 $103,500
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The primary influent gate located at the grit chamber has been out of service for several years. This project will provide for a temporary shutdown in order to evaluate the gate’s condition and make necessary repairs.
Project Title: Flare Replacement
Amount: FY 26-27 $150,250 FY 27-28 $1,606,838
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The flare at Plant 3 is operated under a permit issued by the SJVAPCD. In year one, this project will evaluate the operation of the flare and determine if it will continue to meet future emission limits or if modifications and/or a replacement is needed. Year two of this project will address any findings from the compliance evaluation.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Project Title: Digester Dome Rehab Construction
Amount: FY 26-27 $155,250
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant 3 has six anaerobic digesters. Digester No. 3 at Plant 3 exhibits severe cracking and seepage at multiple points around its dome. This project will evaluate the structural integrity of the Digester No. 3 dome, assess the feasibility of repair, and provide alternative recommendations if necessary.
Project Title: Cloth Media Filter Replacement
Amount: FY 27/28 $64,274
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant 3’s tertiary treatment system uses a cloth media filter to capture solids; this project will replace the cloth media filter panels and replace components that are beyond repair.
Project Title: Grit Classifier Replacement Construction Amount: FY 27-28 $535,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Plant 3 has two grit classifiers that remove sand, gravel, and other heavy, inorganic particles from the influent wastewater. Due to normal wear and tear, combined with high hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) levels, the units have corroded and reached the end of their service life. This project will conduct a grit analysis to assess current grit characteristics and replace both existing classifiers.
Project Title: EV Charging Station
Amount: FY 29-30 $1,147,523 FY 30-31 $1,187,686
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
In anticipation of transitioning to electrical trucks for hauling biosolids, funds have been identified to construct an electrical vehicle charging station.
Project Title: Annual Capital Improvement Budget (Projects TBD) Amount: FY 26-27 $1,552,500 FY 27-28 $2,678,063 FY28-29 $2,771,795 FY 29-30 $2,868,808 FY 30-31 $2,969,216 FY 31-32 $3,073,138 FY 32-33 $3,180,698 FY 33-34 $3,292,023 FY 34-35 $3,407,243 FY 35-36 $3,526,497
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
Projects to be determined.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Sewer/Storm Plant #2
Project Title: Storm Drain Lift Station – Chester Ave
Amount: FY 26-27 $1,035,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The Storm drain lift station at the Chester Avenue/ BNSF railroad crossing is aging and in disrepair. This project will rehabilitate this lift station with new pumps, safety upgrades and other appurtenances necessary to bring the lift station to current standards. Due to the long lead time of pumps and other lift station equipment, the design phase of this project was funded and completed in FY 24-25, while construction phase is to be funded in FY 25-26. This estimate is derived from recent bids for storm drain lift station projects, with the City having awarded 6-8 similar projects over the past 2-3 years. The costs reflect those bids, adjusted with escalation factors to account for projected price increases in the coming years.
Project Title: Storm Drain Improvement – L ST to O St
Amount: FY 26-27 $2,070,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The project consists of existing part-circle culverts within the area bounded by L St, O St, Truxtun Avenue and 24TH St which have caused consistent drainage and maintenance issues due to limited hydraulic capacity and proneness to clogging. The existing partcircle culverts need to be removed and replaced with concrete cross gutters and ADA compliant access ramps to improve surface drainage flow for the affected area. These drainage improvements were identified and recommended as part of the City of Bakersfield’s Downtown Master Strom Drain Study. The design was funded in FY 24-25 and construction will be funded in FY 25-26. This estimate is based on a similar project that the City is constructing near Jewetta Ave and Noriega Road.
Project Title: Sewer Line Replacement – Panama St
Amount: FY 26-27 $5,175,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The existing sewer mainline that runs along Jewett Ave and Panama St from 36th St to James St is deteriorating and undersized for the sewer flows it currently experiences. The existing mainline needs to be upsized to adequately handle sewer flows from the area.
This sewer line replacement was identified and recommended as a part of the City of Bakersfield’s Downtown Master Sewer Study which addressed existing and future deficiencies within the Downtown sewer collection system. The design was funded in FY 24-25 while due to required coordination with railroad for sewer line crossing, construction will be funded in FY 26-27. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer improvements project, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Project Title: Sewer Line Replacement – Alley
Amount: FY 26-27 $258,750 FY 27-28 $3,213,675
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The existing sewer mainline that runs along the alley bounded by 23rd, 24th, K St, and L St is deteriorating and undersized for the sewer flows it currently experiences. The existing mainline needs to be upsized to adequately handle sewer flows from the area. This sewer line was identified and recommended as part of the City of Bakersfield’s Downtown Master Sewer Study which addressed existing and future deficiencies within Downtown sewer collection system. The design will be funded in FY 26-27 while construction will be funded in FY 27-28. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer improvements project, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Project Title: Storm Drain Improvements – Q St/20th St
Amount: FY 26-27 $258,750 FY 27-28 $4,284,900
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This project will alleviate flooding and poor drainage concerns in the downtown area around Q. Street and 20th Street. This project will eliminate siphons, construct cross gutters, and install storm drain pipeline to help keep up with the drainage demand. This project is a future year project with design funding in FY 26-27 and construction funding in FY 27-
28. This estimate is based on a similar project the City completed in 2023 for the Storm Drain Improvements along V. Street near Truxtun Avenue. The costs are derived from that project, with adjustments made to account for anticipated escalation in the coming years.
Project Title: D Street Storm Drain Line Improvements
Amount: FY 27-28 $535,613 FY 28-29 $6,652,307
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The storm drain that goes from 23rd street south along D St., has been identified as a bottleneck in the system. The infrastructure along 23rd and 24th Streets is a larger diameter than what is currently in D St. The D Street pipe needs to be upsized to convey storm water and reduce the flooding that occurs at the intersection of D St. and 23rd St.
Project Title: Sewer Lift Rehabilitation – Rio Mirada Dr Amount: FY 28-29 $277,179 FY 29-30 $3,442,569
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This lift station is aging and in need of repairs. This project will rehabilitate the lift station with new pumps, safety upgrades, wet well lining, and other appurtenances necessary to bring the lift station to current standards. Due to the long lead time of pumps and other lift station equipment, the design phase of this project will be funded in FY 28-29, while the construction phase will be funded in FY 29-30. This estimate is derived from recent bids for sewer lift station projects, with the City having awarded 6-8 similar projects over the past 2-3 years. The costs reflect those bids, adjusted with escalation factors to account for projected price increases in the coming years.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Project Title: Storm Drain Lift Station Rehabilitation – Sandra Drive & Meredith Dr.
Amount: FY 28-29 $277,179 FY 29-30 $3,213,064
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This lift station is aging and in need of repairs. This project will rehabilitate the lift station with new pumps, safety upgrades, wet well lining, and other appurtenances necessary to bring the lift station to current standards. Due to the long lead time of pumps and other lift station equipment, the design phase of this project will be funded in FY 28-29, while the construction phase will be funded in FY 29-30. This estimate is derived from recent bids for storm drain lift station projects, with the City having awarded 6-8 similar projects over the past 2-3 years. The costs reflect those bids, adjusted with escalation factors to account for projected price increases in the coming years.
Project Title: Sewer Line Replacement – K St/34TH St
Amount: FY 28-29 $332,615 FY 29-30 $4,590,092
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The existing sewer mainline that runs along Q St and 34th St from 36th St to 34th St is deteriorating and undersized for the sewer flows it currently experiences. The existing mainline needs to be upsized to adequately handle sewer flows from the area. This sewer line replacement was identified and recommended as part of the City of Bakersfield’s Downtown Master Sewer Study which addressed existing and future deficiencies within the Downtown sewer collection system. The design will be funded in FY 28-29 while construction will be funded in FY 29-30. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer improvements project, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Project Title: Sewer/Storm Drain Line Improvements
Amount: FY 29-30 $286,881 FY 30-31 $4,750,745 FY 32-33 $318,070 FY 33-34 $5,267,236 FY 35-36 $564,240
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The project scope is yet to be determined. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer improvements project, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Project Title: Sewer/Storm Lift Station Rehab
Amount: FY 31-32 $368,777 FY 32-33 $4,134,908
FY 34-35 $477,014 FY 35-36 $5,289,745
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The project scope is yet to be determined. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer/storm lift station improvements projects, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Sewer/Storm Plant #3
Project Title: Sewer Lift Rehabilitation- McCutchen Rd
Amount: FY 26-27 $7,245,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This lift station is aging and in need of repairs. This project will rehabilitate the lift station with new pumps, safety upgrades, wet well lining, upgraded bar screens and other appurtenances necessary to bring the lift station to current standards. Due to the long lead time of pumps and other lift station equipment, the project design commenced in FY 24-25 with previously budgeted project savings. The construction phase will be funded in FY 26-27. This estimate is based on recent bids for sewer lift station projects, with the City having awarded 6-8 similar projects over the past 2-3 years. The costs are derived from those bids, adjusted for anticipated escalation in the coming years.
Project Title: Downtown Manhole Rehabilitation
Amount: FY 26-27 $2,484,000
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The degradation of sewer manholes occurs naturally over time and the sewer manholes in Downtown Bakersfield area are some of the oldest in the City. In the Downtown Master Sewer Study conducted by MKN in 2020, the manholes in the Downtown Area were identified as in need of a thorough survey and repair. The area is bounded by Union Avenue on the east, Brundage Lane on the south, Hwy 99 on the west, and a combination of the Kern River, Golden State Ave, and 38th Street on the north. The study identified the following main components for the study
Project Title: Storm Drain CIPP Liner - Auburn
Amount: FY 26-27 $1,138,500
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The storm drain line along Auburn Street requires a cured in place pipe liner to extend the life of the line and reduce the potential for failure. CIPP liner is a more cost-effective option to excavating and replacing the pipe.
Project Title: Lift Station Rehabilitation
Amount: FY 26-27 $1,552,500
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
There have been a few lift stations identified that need rehabilitation so staff will evaluate all of them over the next few months and determine the one that is more critical in nature.
Project Title: Sewer Improvement – BV Trunk Line
Amount: FY27-28 $16,068,375 FY28-29 $16,630,768
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This project will construct a parallel sewer line along Buena Vista Road from White Lane to WWTP #3. The purpose is to alleviate the existing Buena Vista Road sewer line that is Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
near maximum capacity. The new sewer line will take additional flows from future homes in the Northwest that exceed the current capacity of existing sewer infrastructure.
Project Title: Sewer Lift Rehabilitation - Mt Vista/Grand Lakes Amount: FY 27-28 $267,806 FY 28-29 $3,104,410
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
This lift station is aging and in need of repairs. This project will rehabilitate the lift station with new pumps, safety upgrades, wet well lining, upgraded bar screens and other appurtenances necessary to bring the lift station to current standards. Due to the long lead time of pumps and other lift station equipment, the project design commenced in FY 24-25 with previously budgeted project savings. The construction phase will be funded in FY 26-27. This estimate is based on recent bids for sewer lift station projects, with the City having awarded 6-8 similar projects over the past 2-3 years. The costs are derived from those bids, adjusted for anticipated escalation in the coming years.
Project Title: Sewer Lift Rehabilitation – H St/Taft Hwy Amount: FY 28-29 $277,179 FY 29-30 $3,442,569
Council Goal:
Justification:
This lift station is aging and in need of repairs. This project will rehabilitate the lift station with new pumps, safety upgrades, wet well lining, and other appurtenances necessary to bring the lift station to current standards. Due to the long lead time of pumps and other lift station equipment, the design phase of this project will be funded in FY 28-29, while the construction phase will be funded in FY 29-30. This estimate is based on recent bids for sewer lift station projects, with the City having awarded 6-8 similar projects over the past 2-3 years. The costs are derived from those bids, adjusted for anticipated escalation in the coming years.
Project Title: Sewer/Storm Lift Station Rehab - TBD
Amount: FY 29-30 $344,257 FY 30-31 $3,859,980
FY 33-34 $510,989 FY 34-35 $5,666,507
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The project scope is yet to be determined. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer/storm lift station improvements projects, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Project Title: Sewer/Storm Drain Line Improvements Project - TBD Amount: FY 30-31 $593,843 FY 31-32 $7,375,532
FY 33-34 $658,405 FY 34-35 $8,177,384
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The project scope is yet to be determined. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer or storm drain improvements project, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
Proposed Capital Improvement Projects
Wastewater Division
Project Title: Sewer Line Downtown Rehabilitation
Amount: FY 31-32 $3,073,138 FY 32-33 $31,806,982
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
In the Downtown Master Sewer Study conducted by MKN in 2020, the sewer lines in the Downtown Area were identified as in need of a thorough survey and repair. The manholes will be rehabilitated as a separate project ($5,000,000) discussed above. The below analysis is only for the remaining pipeline repairs (does not include the lift stations).
Since consultant only focused on lines larger than 10-inches for rehabilitation (which lowered the number of manholes from 523 out of 1,328 or approximately 40%) that same analysis will be used for pipelines above 10-inches being rehabilitated.
The costs of rehabilitation of the existing pipelines for the downtown area, above 10- inches and larger, will cost about $100/LF, which would bring the costs of 40 miles of pipeline, to about $21 million. That cost is assuming the rehabilitation of CIPP liner and other related rehabilitation costs, including engineering and inspection costs, is the reason why an estimate of $25,000,000 was chosen.
Project Title: Sewer Line Improvements – TBD Trunkline
Amount: FY 34-35 $3,950,427 FY 35-36 $40,886,921
Council Goal: Reliable Infrastructure
Justification:
The project scope is yet to be determined. This estimate is based on a recently bid sewer improvements project, using actual costs reflective of the current bidding climate.
SEWER RATE
PROPOSITION 218
PUBLIC HEARING
1 April 22, 2026
Sewer User Rate Prop 218 Process
WATER DEPARTMENT 2
• Understanding our Sewer System and Rate Analysis
• Begin Proposition 218 process based on the following
recommended rate:
• Effective July 1, 2026 $475 [monthly equivalent = $39.58] • Effective July 1, 2027 $575 [monthly equivalent = $47.92] • Effective July 1, 2028 $675 [monthly equivalent = $56.25] • Effective July 1, 2029 $775 [monthly equivalent = $64.58] • Effective July 1, 2030 $875 [monthly equivalent = $72.92] • Final 2026-2030 Sewer Rates & Fees Report complete
March 4th & posted to Wastewater website March 5th
• Proposition 218 Mailings – March 5th and March 19th
• Protest letters will be accepted with and without APN Next Steps
3 Public Review &
Protest Period
March 10 – May 13
Public Hearing
during Regular
Council Meeting
Continue to May 13
April 22
Public Hearing
Council to vote on
Recommended
Rate
May 13
Resolution for
County Assessor
to change rate
May 27
2026 Rate
incorporated into
Kern County
Property Tax
July 1
• April 22:
• receive Public comments
• continue the hearing to May 13
• Continue to collect letters until
the close of May 13 Hearing
• May 13:
• receive Public comments
• close the Hearing
• Council vote to approve/deny rate
• If rate approved, process
Resolution to advise the County
Assessor’s Office to collect the
new rate on the tax roll.
• July 1 – New rate takes effect
4 THANK YOU